The MS Balena, measuring 40 meters in length and 7 meters in width, is a former liveaboard vessel that sank in 2001 near Hurghada, mere hundreds of meters from the shoreline.

Originally constructed in Norway as a mail ship in 1952, it underwent conversion into a liveaboard during the 1990s after being transported to Egypt under new ownership. By 1999, with another change in ownership, the vessel had significantly deteriorated and was not adequately maintained by the newly established diving travel company. Consequently, it was anchored in close proximity to the Giftun Village Hotel in Hurghada, where it succumbed to rust and neglect. By early April 2001, the hull had started to lean, and during the night of April 12th to 13th, a sudden fire erupted, causing the ship to sink to a depth of merely 9 meters in the sandy bottom. Despite investigations, the exact cause of the fire remained inconclusive, leading to speculation about potential insurance fraud.

Presently, the wreck stands erect on a level keel and has become a popular attraction for both divers and snorkelers. Visible from the water's surface due to certain protruding structures, the upper deck is easily accessible for snorkeling. The wreck has become a thriving ecosystem, teeming with an abundance of marine life, thriving particularly in the nutrient-rich waters near the beach. Though visibility may be somewhat obscured, imparting a mystical allure to the dive, the wreck hosts an array of marine species. Large schools of garfish, often accompanied by smaller barracudas, frequent the area. The sandy bottom is home to numerous jellyfish and blue spotted rays. Exploring the protruding stern, the propeller, and the rudder system reveals small gray moray eels and an assortment of vibrant nudibranchs across the wreck. Colorful soft corals adorn the walls and railings, offering sanctuary to various boxfish and puffer fish. The majority of the wreck is conducive to safe diving, with the shallow depth allowing for thorough exploration of each individual deck.